Kinglake opened its 2024 Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 campaign in stunning fashion, with a powerful 111-point win over Reservoir at Kinglake Memorial Oval.
With both sides without a victory heading into Saturday’s clash, it was a 10-goal to three second term that set up the 27.22 (184) to 10.13 (73) triumph for the Lakers in what was a high-scoring contest.
It’s their second highest score since joining the NFNL and their second total over 60 points this season. As a result of their big margin of victory, they now boast the best percentage of any side currently in the bottom four.
The home side were regularly able to move the ball from end to end, in large thanks to Rohan King who helped set up multiple plays from defence.
Lachie White took numerous intercept marks for Kinglake and connected with a busy midfield. The ball went into the forward fifty with speed and precision where goal-kickers cashed in.
Shane Harvey booted two majors in the first term before playing further up the ground later in the game, but it was Damian Pywell who led the way and slotted home eight majors, including five in the third term.
Leigh Gilbert proved a handful with five goals, while Ethan Robinson kicked four majors playing in both the midfield and up forward.
Bailey Robinson got plenty of it and gave his forward good looks with low, flat passes, and it was the even spread of contributors which propelled Kinglake to their first win of 2024.
Although the magnitude of the victory may have surprised many, Kinglake had been gradually improving over the past four weeks since their loss to Heidelberg West in Round 4.
After being punished when turning the ball over against highly ranked teams recently, the ball use and decision-making was better this time.
“It was reward for effort over the last four weeks,” Kinglake coach Dave Florance said.
While the Lakers moved the ball smoothly, the Mustangs suffered from poor field kicking and most turnovers resulted in a score by the home side. The most frustrating aspect for their fans was the long kick into forward fifty which was not to the advantage of their forwards and was regularly picked off by Laker defenders.
There were some bright spots for Reservoir despite the score line. Captain Zechariah Cuppens was a stand-out in the midfield and finished off his work with two goals after missing last week.
His effort on the final siren would’ve been one of the highlights of the day had he been able to kick the major. He grabbed the ball in defence and kicked to Alex Mills on the wing, then ran hard to present and marked at about 45 metres out on an angle. The effort deserved full points but narrowly missed.
Jack Craig-Smith and Rob Holland also impressed through the midfield while James El Moussalli booted five on the day and could’ve had an even bigger bag, had he have not missed a few shots on goal.
His major early in the third term was his best when he dodged and weaved before snapping truly from the pocket.
Reservoir coach Rohan Davies labelled his side as a “work in progress” post-game as they still search for their maiden victory of the season.
Davies liked the work of his stand-out players and also gave a tick to Dean Johnson. Johnson began in the ruck but then went forward to quell the dominance of the Kinglake defence.
